- Architectural firm Whitehaus appointed to design the redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre
- $22.6 million project to significantly increase crisis accommodation capacity and assist more women and children escaping family and domestic violence
- Part of the Cook Government's $72.6 million package to strengthen family and domestic violence response
A key milestone has been reached in the redevelopment of a nearly five-decade-old women's refuge, with an architectural firm appointed to design the new facility that will expand capacity for women and children escaping family and domestic violence.
Architectual firm Whitehaus will lead the redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre, which will see its capacity significantly increased from five rooms in a shared facility to 16 new independent units.
The Cook Government has committed $22.6 million to redevelop the centre, which is operated under City of Stirling management. The redevelopment willincorporate a 'core and cluster' model of crisis accommodation consisting of fully-independent living facilities.
Whitehaus has extensive experience in designing and delivering projects within the government sector, in particular crisis accommodation, as well as retail, residential, aged care, health, education and commercial projects.
Schematic design will begin soon and will incorporate diverse community needs compiled through ongoing consultation with representatives from culturally and linguistically diverse, lived experience and Aboriginal communities.
The project forms part of the Cook Government's $72.6 million package announced in November 2023 to strengthen responses to family and domestic violence.
As stated by Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to keeping victim-survivors of family and domestic violence safe.
"The redevelopment of the Stirling Women's Centre will significantly increase family and domestic violence accommodation capacity in Perth's northern suburbs.
"New purpose-built refuge facilities go a long way to ensuring women and children escaping violence are offered a safe space and treated with dignity and respect.
"I have no doubt that this facility will make a real difference to the lives of victim-survivors.
"Our Government looks forward to working with Whitehaus to deliver this crucial infrastructure project that will help to keep women and children safe and support them as they rebuild their lives."
As stated by Mirrabooka MLA Meredith Hammat:
"The Stirling refuge does a fabulous job helping people in their current building; however, a bigger facility is much needed.
"While refuges provide a safe space for people escaping from family violence, they are more than bricks and mortar and it is important that they are designed in a way that is inclusive and culturally safe.
"Listening to people from diverse backgrounds who've experienced family violence will be an important consideration for the design of the new build."
